Hmmm… what shall I ponder on today?

Tag

First Lady

One year in December, when my children were 8 and 6, I took them to Washington, DC for the National Tree Lighting Ceremony. In the afternoon, we situated ourselves up close and personal to the Nation’s Christmas Tree, naively believing we would stay in our perfect spot throughout the service. But prior to the Clintons emerging from the White House, Secret Service Agents forced us to a faraway distance. We were disappointed, but didn’t complain. We were in our Nation’s Capitol after all, and it was Christmas.

After being relocated, we were some distance from the activity of the White House. Yet even with all that air and city street noise between us, we could hear President Clinton speaking. And as we walked away from the National Tree that evening, we heard the children’s choir sweetly singing Christmas Carols. I knew it was possibly a once in a lifetime event, and I relished the experience.

Earlier that day, my children and I had taken a Christmas tour of the White House. It was spectacular, like nothing I had ever seen. I wasn’t a supporter of old Bill and his First Lady, but I had immense respect for their title roles as my nation’s leaders. I respect the home of our First Family. It’s got some history… not all good, you know? Still, it’s their home, our house.

So when given the opportunity to view the interior White House Christmas decorations, I was thrilled, knowing my children were experiencing something special.

My two little ones and I walked through those history laden halls reverently, and in awe. Not once did we criticize First Lady Clinton for her decorative style. But six year old Garrett did question why, if the White House belonged to the People, we couldn’t just sleep there for the night. It was a reasonable question.

From the published photos, it appears Melania has decorated our house beautifully.